Holidays

Thanksgiving brings family and friends together, more than almost any other holiday during the year. People around the world gather for food and memories. In Chicago, hours before dinner, millions of people look forward to the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade has a fantastic cast, including a 50-foot turkey balloon, Ronald McDonald and other well-known characters. Back in the 1930s, the parade was called the “Christmas Caravan.” Just coming off the Great Depression, the parade was created to boost the suffering economy and uplift broken spirits.

This year nearly 5,000 participants are expected to help out during the parade. Below are some first-timer tips to make the in-person experience easy and enjoyable.

When and Where is the Parade?

The Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade will go from 8–11 AM on November 23, 2017. The parade is held on State Street and progresses from Congress to Randolph.

Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade Route

You can expect as many as 400,000 people contending for space on the sidewalks during the parade. The most devoted parade attendees show up before 6 AM.

Best Places to Watch

Avoid the crowds. Anywhere along State Street provides a great view, but if you want a less-crowded area, try State and Adams. Remember, the farther north you go along the parade route, the busier it’ll be.

Who Will Be Featured in the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade?

You’ll hear music from multiple local high school bands. There will be packs of horses, thanks to several equestrian units. The list of honored guests includes the Christkind from Christkindlmarket, Graham Elliot, the Harlem Globetrotters, Miss Illinois, Miss Illinois Teen and Twista. Many local businesses and organizations will also make appearances during the parade.

Are you going to the parade? Who with? Tell us all about it in the comments below.

Your Guide to the 2017 McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade was last modified: November 17th, 2017 by Rhett Ahlander

Since 1924, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been one of New York City’s most anticipated annual traditions. 22.3 million people watch the parade on TV and over 3.5 million see it in person every year. Below are some first-timer tips to make the in-person experience easy and enjoyable.

Find Your Place on the Sidewalk

Source: https://www.macys.com/social/parade/

Watching the parade is free, but you should get there early for the best view. The parade starts at 9 AM, but spectators start lining the streets at 6 AM. Find a parking space early and stay at your viewing area until the parade is over. Many of the performances happen near 34th Street, so that area fills up first, along with places at the start and end of the parade route.

Here are other great places to watch the parade:

Central Park West. The viewing starts at 75th Street, two blocks from the start. It’s only open on the west side; the other side is closed for invite-only grandstand seating.

Tickets on the Grandstand

Grandstand tickets to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade are for friends and family of parade participants, employees and volunteers. Macy’s doesn’t sell them, but individual sellers can be found online. Also try asking around for any extra tickets.

Book a Room with a View

Several hotels offer Thanksgiving Day parade packages with great views of the parade, including the J.W. Marriott Parade View Room and the Residence Inn Prime View Room packages.

Make Restaurant Reservations

At some restaurants, people can watch the parade while they eat. However, most places require reservations on that day. Make sure to call ahead to reserve your table.

Don’t worry about parking this St. Patrick’s Day! ParkWhiz and Lyft make it easy for you to get downtown and around town for all the festivities. When you book parking at one of our special locations we’ll hook you up with Lyft to get you right where you want to be and back again. From green rivers to parades in the street, there’s plenty to do and see on March 11th in Chicago. Don’t miss any of it!

Get $5 off ParkWhiz parking and 20% off two rides with Lyft when you book and park at one of the following locations:

Some may bill it as a “Hallmark Holiday,” but Valentine’s Day is really what you and your love make of it. With so many different activities to choose from during Valentine’s Day in New York City, there’s sure to be something that fits your unique tastes – even if you can’t celebrate on the 14th!

Look into the stars this Valentine’s Day in New York. The American Museum of Natural History’s Rose Center for Earth and Space is hosting a special event with an open cocktail and champagne bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, and chocolates. While you gaze into the stars and seek out specific heavenly bodies, enjoy the musical stylings of a jazz quartet.

There’s no hard and fast rule that says you have to celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th. If something prevents you and your love from making it out on that exact date, the Disney Valentine’s Ball might be your perfect alternative.

If you fancy yourself a Disney princess, you’ll enjoy hearing the greatest love tales of all time, and receiving “true love’s kiss” from your sweetie at Disney’s Valentine’s Ball. Rock cover band The Little Mermen will be serenading couples to ensure their own fairy tale night. And don’t let the fact that Disney is in the name throw you off – this all night sing-along featuring Disney hits is sure to be a rager!

Here’s another fun date idea instead of or in addition to February 14th activities. R&B/soul stars The Stylistics, The Dramatics, The Delfonics, The Manhattans, and Blue Magic will be setting the mood for this romantic Valentine’s Day in New York date idea.

Love is in the air at Duffy Square. Take your love by the hand and play witness to (or act as a participant in!) actual wedding ceremonies, surprise proposals, and vow renewals. If the relationship is new, have your own fun by going to the Heart of Hearts kaleidoscopic kissing booths.

For the super-fit couple, a Valentine’s Day in New York date might consist of a mutual adrenaline rush. Specifically, rock climbing at Try The Cliffs at LIC. Buy a day pass ($28), or if you’re a novice, an introductory class ($49). The facility is well-equipped, and the friendly staff will make sure you have an amazing time.

Improve your senses by getting rid of one of them. Guests at chef Abigail Hitchcock’s Camaje will experience a four-course meal while blindfolded. This unusual experience is choreographed by performance artists and is said to be an experiment to test and awaken senses. It will surely be a Valentine’s Day in New York you won’t soon forget!

If you and your partner are the type who’d prefer a low-key, no-fuss Valentine’s Day in New York, Barracuda Lounge might be the perfect place for you. This no-attitude gay lounge is a cozy place to enjoy a drag show – especially during happy hour.

The High LineWashington St at Gansevoort St, New YorkFreeEveryday, 7am–11pm

The High Line is a long park in New York that first opened in 2009. Abandoned elevated train tracks were transformed into exquisite parks and gardens. With stunning views of the Hudson River, and downtown New York’s skyline, The High Line provides a romantic atmosphere on any day of the year.

You’ll be able to see Hudson River Park from The High Line – why not make your way over on Valentine’s Day? This beautiful waterfront park stretches from Battery Park to 59th Street. If you decide to get active, there’s skating, kayaking many paths for walking, and plenty of room for biking.

Are you a fan of classical music? Check out Love in the Parlors: A Valentine in Concert. Presented by The Bond Street Euterpean Singing Society, performers include Anthony Bellov, Amy Gluck, Jane Elizabeth, and many others signing 19th century hits.

February in Chicago is perhaps the coldest time of the year, but locals suck it up so that they can enjoy Valentine’s Day in Chicago, out on the town. With so much to do, it’s hard to choose just one thing, but there’s certainly something for everyone!

Romantic Restaurants

With any restaurants for this list of Valentine’s Day in Chicago, you’ll want to secure your reservations ASAP, before they fill up. Balena is characterized by simplicity with a little something extra. Situated on the same street as many other of Chicago’s finest restaurants (think Boka), your date will be in for a treat.

Billed by USA Today as the most romantic restaurant in the UnitedStates, Geja’s Café is a dimly-lit fondue spot that serves as a romantic date night spot on any day of the year. Special occasions aside, they often run Groupon and in-house deals. Unfortunately, Valentine’s Day is an exception, so prepare yourself for the bill at the end of the night! Make sure to get the flaming chocolate fondue dessert – the perfect finishing touch to a delicious meal and romantic date.

Chef Bruce Sherman produces a menu of delicious organic foods, so you can feel good about anything you consume at North Pond. Though you wouldn’t want to be outside in the February cold, you’ll feel close to nature as the restaurant is just a few feet away from a gorgeous Lincoln Park pond. Obviously, a window table is there way to go if you reserve early enough.

Romantic Spots

What could be romantic than a dark movie theater, a nontraditional screening, and spending time with your love? Music Box Theatre is no ordinary movie theater – it’s a movie theater that speaks directly to movie lovers. This two-screen cinema shows the latest art-house films and documentaries, and hosts regular director Q&A’s in addition to midnight screenings of cult classics.

Truly, any of the museums in Chicago’s Museum Campus (and others scattered across the city) could make for the perfect Valentine’s Day in Chicago. However, Adler Planetarium boasts a runner-up win for Time Out Chicago Love Chicago Awards in 2016. Playing host to world-class researchers, Adler Planetarium offers the highest quality standards on exhibits and theater presentations. Virtual-reality trips through time and space in the Sky Theater shouldn’t be missed, and make for an interesting twist on typical dinner and a movie dates.

Other Things to Do on Valentine’s Day in Chicago

Ok, it’s not as questionable as it sounds, but Hideout certainly likes to push the boundaries. At their 11th annual Hideout Makeout Party (described as “An Evening of Aural Intercourse”), an orchestra of local musicians will be serenading event attendees. Bring a date, or find one there – both couples and singles are welcome!

If you and your sweet thang enjoy a more non-traditional date night, then Ignite Glass Studios may have the perfect Valentine’s Day in Chicago date for you!

Give glassblowing a try with this hands-on, after-hours workshop. Create a special keepsake (a single glass heart) to commemorate your special day together, and maybe even discover a new talent! To make it even more enjoyable, sparkling wine and chocolates are included.

Chicago is well-known for it’s comedy and improv shows, so you know you’re in for a treat with this comedy show that takes aim at popular online dating apps. If you met your sweetie on Tinder, Bumble, or whatever the kids are using these days, it can be a fun way to laugh at yourselves.

During the holidays, New York gets even livelier than it already is! People enjoy the lights lined up along the streets, holiday deals at New York’s finest shopping establishments, and decorations around every corner.

But what makes the city truly unique are all the things to do during the holiday in New York. If you’re planning to spend your holidays in NYC, here are a number of events and things to do during the winter season.

World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorahs

The Manhattan and Brooklyn neighborhoods host competitors who aim to create the World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah. Those closer to Manhattan can see the 32 foot high, 4,000 pound steel icon across from The Plaza Hotel. If you’re in Brooklyn, the neighborhood menorah can be seen at the top of Prospect Park. Brooklyn makes a big event out of the competition, with a concert prior to the first night’s lighting, and potato pancakes!

If you enjoy a day out at a museum, you’ll really enjoy the Santa and the City exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York. In this exhibition, guests will be treated to historical images of jolly old St. Nick from the Museum’s collection. It’s the perfect seasonal way to appreciate art!

Make your holiday season both fancy and festivNutce with a ticket to George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. An impressive 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 32 stagehands and 2 casts of 50 young students come together to make this production possible.

Kwanzaa Celebrations

Apollo Theater (Manhattan)

December 26, 2016 – January 1, 2017

This celebration of African-American heritage takes place every year, from 12/26 – 1/1, and ends with a feast and gift-giving. Of course, if you’re looking for New York City’s largest Kwanzaa celebration, check out the American Museum of Natural History to start. Look forward to African dance, traditional crafts, spoken word, and live musical performances.

23 Days of Flatiron Cheer is the perfect holiday celebration for someone who can’t get enough of the Christmas season. In the fifth year of this annual event around the Flatiron building, you’ll find many interactive installations, performances from local groups, and giveaways from local businesses.

You’re probably familiar with A Christmas Carol, but have you ever seen it as a live action theatrical performance? Come to Queens Theater for your opportunity to witness this holiday classic come to life. Yes, it’s a musical interpretation, but you’ll be pleased to know that the story remains unchanged!

If you’re brave enough to come out for a few hours during the winter cold, you’ll benefit from music, food, nature, and shopping at Queens Botanical Garden, which will be hosting a holiday marketplace on December 18th. Attendees will be celebrating Winter Solstice, and the event is open to all ages (with special activities for kids).

If you’re in New York City during New Year’s Eve, you can’t miss the Times Square Ball Drop! This is perhaps the most anticipated event of the year, and is televised so the rest of the world doesn’t have to miss it. Besides the famous ball drop, there’s also a number of live performances to look forward to.

There are so many things to do during the holiday in Chicago, it’s actually quite hard to pick between all the different options! Throw in friend and family holiday visits, and your winter calendar quickly fills up. If you have some time to spare, you’ll want to check out Chicago’s downtown and neighborhood events, including tree lighting, parades, ice skating, and shopping!

Here are some can’t miss things to do during the holiday in Chicago.

Christmas Lights

Christkindlmarket is a favorite thing to do during the holiday in Chicago by residents and tourists, alike. Nestled between Dearborn, Washington, and Clark Street is a seasonal Christmas market, inspired by the Nuremberg Christmas Market in Germany. It’s the perfect place to find seasonal decorations, indulge in pastries (and other hearty fare), and drink mulled wine!

Lincoln Park Zoo is a great place to bring the whole family, any time during the year. But during the holiday season, this lakefront zoo transforms itself into a winter wonderland. Like the zoo, it’s free to attend. Unlike normal zoo functions, ZooLights boasts more than two million lights (with animal designs!), holiday crafts, and sweet treats.

Just around the corner from Millennium Park’s ice skating rink is another rink at Maggie Daley Park. Like Millennium Park, admission is free. Skate rentals are $12, and lockers are $2. Instead of a rectangular shape, Maggie Daley Park has an ice ribbon, reminiscent of a Mario Kart track. This ice rink can accomodate a whooping 700 skaters at a time.

There’s so much to do at Lincoln Park Zoo during the holidays! Before you check out ZooLights, make sure to check out Lincoln Park Zoo’s ice rink. Admission is $5, with a $5 skate rental. Relax and warm up in the Main Barn, which will be open with concessions!

A Charlie Brown Christmas is a holiday production that your kids will actually appreciate you taking them to. Emerald City Theater and Broadway in Chicago have partnered together to bring this classic TV special to life, which teaches kids about the true meaning of Christmas.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a New York City tradition since 1924. People all over the US watch the parade chock full of floats and performers on TV, and about 3.5 million see it in person every year. Below are some tips for first-timers to make seeing the parade in real life easy.

Find a Place on the Sidewalk

Parade Route via http://www.nyctourist.com/macys_map.htm

Watching the parade is free, but people should get there early for the best view. Spectators start lining the streets at 6:00 a.m. and the parade starts at 9:00. Find a parking space early and don’t leave your viewing spot when you find it until the parade is over. Many of the performances happen near 34th Street, so those spaces usually fill up first, along with spots at the beginning and the end of the parade route. Other good places for watching the parade are:

Central Park West. The viewing starts at 75th Street, two blocks away from the start of the parade. It’s only open on the West side, as the other side is closed for invite-only grandstand seating.

Grandstand tickets to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade are for the friends and family of parade participants, employees and volunteers. Macy’s doesn’t sell them, but individuals often sell them online. Some people may also have a friend with an extra ticket.

Book a Room with a View

Several hotels offer Thanksgiving parade packages with great views, including the JW Marriot’s Parade-View Room Package and the Residence Inn’s Prime View Package.

Make Reservations at a Nearby Restaurant

At some restaurants, people can watch the parade while they eat. However, most establishments require reservations for Thanksgiving since it’s such a busy day. The only restrooms available on the parade route are in restaurants as well.

Who will you be watching the parade with? Let us know in the comments below.

Your Guide To Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade was last modified: November 17th, 2016 by ParkWhiz Staff

Across the United States, one of the things that Americans look forward to in the Fall is Thanksgiving dinner, and the festivities that bring families together. In Chicago, people also look forward to a particular event just hours before dinner – the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade.

If you’ve never seen it before, you should know that the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade is characterized by a 50-foot helium-filled turkey balloon, joined by Ronald McDonald and friends along historic State Street downtown. You may also be interested to know that the parade was originally called “Christmas Caravan” back in the 1930s. The original purpose of the parade was to uplift those suffering job loss and a general negative atmosphere during the Great Depression.

Thanks to plenty of actual Christmas events and celebrations, today’s parade is 100% focused on Thanksgiving, and the holiday season in a more general sense. This year, parade organizers are expecting 5000 participants to get involved with the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade – 1300 of which will be volunteering.

If you’re participating in the parade, make sure to DVR the telecast on WGN-TV so you can relive your TV appearance!

What to Expect at the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade

This year Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day Parade goes from 8-11am on November 24, 2016. The parade is held on State Street, and progresses from Congress to Randolph.

Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade Route

Just as with many other events in Chicago, the earlier you show up – the better. If the weather is especially nice, more people will make sure to come in person, and spots along the parade route will be scarce. The most devoted Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade attendees tend to show up before 6-7am.

Best places to watch

Avoid the crowds. Anywhere along State Street is a great place to watch the parade, but you can also watch the parade from a less crowded area at State and Adams. As a general rule, the further north you go in relation to the parade route, the busier you can expect the route to be.

Who will be in marching along the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade route?

First off, you’ll hear music from multiple local high school bands. Second, there will be no shortage of horses, thanks to several unique equestrian units. Honored guests include Miss Illinois & Miss Illinois Teen, Miss Chicago/Windy City/Gold Coast, and the Harlem Globetrotters. Of course, local businesses and organizations will be adding their own unique color and life to the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Are you excited for the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade? We hope to see you there!

Your Guide To McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade was last modified: November 17th, 2016 by Maddy Osman

It’s almost that time of year again, time for holiday shopping! As people are making their lists and figuring out the right gifts for everyone on it, they should also be sure to map out the places to go to find the best presents.

Here are some of the best shopping spots in NYC:

Herald Square. Macy’s in Herald Square, what a place to be during the holidays! Since 1902, this Macy’s has been more of a cultural icon than a shopping destination. In addition, the surrounding area is home to one of the few indoor malls in New York City. There are plenty of well-known retailers and small boutiques; it’s the perfect place to get Black Friday deals.

Soho. Soho is another wonderful shopping district in NYC. It’s one of the oldest, most famous districts in the city, full of high-end fashion houses. Shoppers can find Prada, Armani Exchange, Stella McCartney, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren and Chanel to name a few. There are also a number of designer lighting and furnishings shops.

Union Square. The Union Square Holiday Market takes place in Union Square each year. This internationally renowned market is located right in the heart of the city. Millions of people visit the market each year to browse handmade gifts created by local artisans. This is a unique ‘can’t miss’ experience.

59th and Lexington. The 59th and Lexington area is a 20-block stretch of small shops of all types. Most are local boutiques, rather than well-known retailers, so shoppers can really find some unique gifts.

Grand Central. There is another holiday market in the Grand Central area of New York City. The Grand Central Holiday Fair takes place every year in the historic Grand Central Station. There are plenty of cool vendors and a train show, so kids will actually enjoy this shopping day.